Talks and Lectures

New perspectives on the Tower and the Medieval Jewish communityJoin Dr Lucy Worsley as she chairs a debate on the fascinating and relatively unknown relationship between the Jewish community and the Tower of London. Inspired by brand new curatorial research, discover the history of the medieval Jewish community, with a focus on the events of the thirteenth century. The panel speakers are; Dr Sally Dixon-Smith (HRP Curator) Professor Miri Ruben (Queen Mary University of London) Professor Anthony Bale (Birkbeck University of London) Professor Anthony Musson (University of Exeter) /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/6537437

How we used to talk about… WomenMarking 100 years since the first female emancipation laws, this podcast explores the changing use of language regarding women in British society.
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Brunchtime Lecture: Queen Victoria on TVDiscover the secrets behind the popular ITV series 'Victoria' with series Production Designer Michael Howells as he discusses bringing these royal stories to our screens with Historic Royal Palaces' Collections Curator, Matthew Storey.
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Gossip and Rumour in Elizabeth I’s CourtAnna Whitelock, historian, broadcaster and reader in early modern history at Royal Holloway, University of London, explores how Elizabeth I confidently and cleverly used her gender to manipulate a court filled with men.
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The Eltham RulesJoin Chris Gidlow, writer and Live Interpretation Manager for Historic Royal Palaces, as he explores The Eltham ordinances. Written in 1526 by Cardinal Wolsey, The Eltham ordinances were detailed rules for ‘the establishment of good order and reformation of sundry errors in the court. Despite these controls the Tudor court was dynamic and was dominated by the changing whims of a power-hungry monarch and the personalities who surrounded him.
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Tudor Dress and Courtly PowerEleri Lynn, fashion historian, author and curator at Historic Royal Palaces, explores how fashion conveyed messages of status, power and authority in the Tudor court.
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Lucy Worsley's Favourite QueenJoin Historic Royal Palaces' Joint Chief Curator, Lucy Worsley, for an evening talk on the tragic and neglected Queen Caroline, wife of King George II. Discover the secrets of Georgian royal life and how Queen Caroline shaped society as we know it today.
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Thomas Cromwell and the English ReformationJoin Tracy Borman, writer, historian and joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, as she explores the life of Thomas Cromwell, a man of many talents who quickly rose to favour at Henry’s court and dismantled the English Catholic church. Yet despite his loyalty to the king he was ultimately executed at the Tower of London for treason. How did this faithful servant shape the protestant England we know today? And what of his fall from grace?
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Brunchtime Lecture: Victoria & AbdulHear about the inspiration behind author Shrabani Basu's book Victoria & Abdul which is now a film starring Judi Dench (released 8th September). What truths informed her story and what can it tell us about Queen Victoria's relationships and influence on and by India.
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In Conversation with Yinka Shonibare Hear from Turner Prize nominee and artist Yinka Shonibare MBE in the King's State Apartments at Kensington Palace as he discusses his new work, Mrs Pinckney and the Emancipated Birds of South Carolina. Find out more about his work as an exploration of race, class and the meaning of cultural and national definitions.
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How we used to talk about LGBTQ - “The Eternal Bachelor” and “The Game of Flats”On the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967, we explore historical views on homosexuality and same-sex relationships. We consider how we present same-sex relationships in a historical context and ask how far does the language and rhetoric of the past influence our views on the present? Join historian Lauren Johnson @History_Lauren in this discussion with Matthew Storey @HRP_palaces, Dr Claire Hayward @HaywardCL and Bernard Donoghue @bernarddonoghue./episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/5584189

Encounters with the Tudors: behind-the-scenesGo behind the scenes of Encounters with the Tudors, the daily costumed performances at Hampton Court Palace. Hear from the creators as they unlock the mysteries of how they transform historical moments into compelling immersive theatre. Talk recorded at Hampton Court Palace on 8 June 2017. /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/5444460

Playing the Fool with Dr Suzannah LipscombHow does someone described as ‘foolish’ or ‘lacking judgement’ exert influence at the royal court? Court fools were prized entertainers and had favour and authority with the king. Henry’s court jester Will Somer had ‘admission to the King [at all times], especially when sick and melancholy’. Discover how the ‘foolish things of the world’ confounded the wise and learned. /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/5423509

Sacred music and the ReformationAs part of our Power and Performance series, Jeremy Summerly and historian Lauren Johnson discuss how Henry VIII shaped his own image and reinforced his new religion using sacred music. Jeremy Summerly is a BBC broadcaster and the director of Music at St Peter’s College, Oxford. /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/5364260

Plays of PersuasionFor the second talk in the Power and Performance series at Hampton Court, historians Thomas Betteridge and Lauren Johnson talk us through how drama was used as a tool for persuasion at the Tudor court. Plays were not only performed, but also used for important diplomatic negotiations. /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/5336290

Anne Boleyn: musician and composerAs part of our latest series of talks on Power and Performance at Hampton Court Palace, join musician Tamsin Lewis to explore how Anne Boleyn’s keen ability as a musician and composer, influenced her role at court. Did it help her to silence her enemies and impress the king? /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/5252285

Diana and David SassoonDesigner David Sassoon explores his distinguished career with Collections Curator, Eleri Lynn. Through their conversation you’ll hear royal stories, design secrets and discover how he worked with Diana, Princess of Wales to create some of the Princess’s most memorable garments. /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/5252279

Panto and PerformanceExplore the world of Victorian pantomime, music hall, theatre and performance. Find out more about cross-dressing actors and backstage shenanigans in an era that brought entertainment to the masses. Hear from Kate Howard, historian and Creative Director for the UK's oldest professional costumed historical interpretation company, Past Pleasures Ltd. /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/5040262

Curious Connections...Jewish history of the Tower Join our panel as they explore the part the Tower of London played in Jewish history from 1066 to the modern day. /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/5029412

Curious Connections... Migration and mobilityJoin our panel as they explore the role London has played as a home for migrants throughout history, and what the recent EU referendum could mean for the diversity of the city now and in the future. /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/4859989

The Making of a MonarchFind out about the early years of Henry VIII and the creation of the famous king we know so well today. Join historian Lauren Johnson and explore the journey of modest prince to bold king. /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/4859927

Henry VIII's Six WivesGo behind the scenes with Lucy Worsley in her latest BBC 3-part series Henry VIII’s Six Wives. In a world run by men, meet Henry’s queens and discover their own methods of exerting influence at court. Explore a unique approach to drama and history, and unravel key moments in the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives. /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/4861284

What's Under Your Feet?Discover the results of Hillsborough Castle's Summer Archaeology Dig with experts from Northern Archaeological Consultancy Ltd. What can we tell from the items and burials uncovered? What can the findings suggest was here before the Hill family? /episode/index/show/historicroyalpalaces/id/4859972